Wild animals, especially birds, aren’t confined to wild spaces. They creep into backyards, hop through parks and crawl through any bit of green space they can find. Scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology would like to know more about those not-so-wild spaces so that they can learn how bird species use the full range of habitats in North America.

Their new citizen-science project, a website called YardMap, lets people quickly and easily make free maps of verdant places such as their home or a local cemetery, marking out lawns, trees and other landscape features over a satellite view. Researchers use map data matched with bird sightings, which can be submitted using the eBird tool on the site, to study the impact of backyards on migrating birds as they crisscross North America. Tools on the YardMap website help users learn more about how planting practices can attract more birds and other wildlife.

MAP THAT YARD See how you can map your yard, or any other green space, to help scientists track bird habitat and to learn how to make your spaces more wildlife-friendly. Credit: YardMap/YouTube